Parenting and SCI

Overview

This chapter will discuss the common questions and concerns about parenting and spinal cord injury, Adaptive equipment, resources and peer networks will be highlighted to make your transition into parenthood smoother.

MYTH

If I can’t run after my child I’m not a good parent.

FACT

You can be an excellent, loving, and actively involved parent and have an SCI

Introduction

By standard definition, a parent is a person who is (or is acting in the role of) a father or mother; a person who has a child. However, BEING a parent is so much more. Being a parent comes with many roles and responsibilities that help a child feel safe, happy, and loved. It may not always fit into the “traditional” definition of a parent—but it is just as important.

What’s Different Now?

Although a spinal cord injury changes the way you move, it doesn’t change your ability to love, nurture, and care for a child. Children are incredibly adaptable. They will learn to move with you in new ways.

They can feel special when they get a different kind of ride to and from school in mommy or daddy’s wheelchair. They will laugh just the same when you tell silly bed-time stories. They can learn how important words are when you are unable to physically reach them to move them out of harm’s way. They will love you just as much as any able-bodied parent, there really isn’t that much that is any different.

FUN FACT

A spinal cord injury does not affect a women’s ability to have a child!

What Can I Do About It?

What can I do to increase my confidence as a parent?

Connect with peers, know your resources and prepare yourself as best as possible for the joys and challenges parenting brings. Talking to people who have faced similar challenges as you are a great resource! They can provides tips, insightful knowledge, and first-hand accounts.

Britney has a spinal cord injury at T6, and describes becoming pregnant, and equipment and strategies she uses to assist her in parenting her two small children, including her adapted crib and change table.

What Do I Need to Know?

Lots of people wonder if they can do it. The answer is, If becoming a parent or continuing to be an actively involved parent is something that is important to you, then do it. Every parent struggles with the questions of whether or not they will be good at it, or if they are capable of handling all of the changes children brings with them. Peer-networks and support systems are important to every parent regardless of age or ability. Get familiar with who is on your team as well as the resources you can access when you need them.

See our Resources section to get you started, and visit SCI BC, SHRS, or other SCI Canada organizations to speak to someone.

My Role

If you are planning to start a family with a partner, talk to them about your plans. Address topics such as health, finance, support, and future plans. (These are all the same things every parent should discuss!). If you are embarking on the journey of parenting by yourself realize that even though you may be making this decision alone—you are not! There are people who want to help, make sure you take initiative to reach out to them.

Who Can Help Me?

For specialized questions related to adaptive equipment, your rehabilitation team is a great resource, especially Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and Social Workers. They can help you adapt your life and finding the services you need to support you as a parent.

Parenting classes, mommy groups, daddy groups, and prenatal classes are all great places to get information about parenting in general. SCI specific organizations, online forums, or websites for parents with physical challenges are helpful places to connect with others. See our Resources section for a full list of useful tools.

Conclusion

Raising a child is never a simple task. Every parent struggles at times but also has the opportunity to experience great joy. Parenting with a spinal cord injury might take a bit more planning and support but really the core responsibilities and concerns are similar for all parents.

Remember, you can be an excellent, loving, and actively involved parent and have a spinal cord injury!

Parent Empowerment Network – A free email service for parents with disabilities of all kinds and spouses of individuals with disabilities.

Wheelchair Mommy Mommy Group – This Facebook group is for mothers who are wheelchair users and parenting children. Discussion topics include adaptive equipment, common complications, problem-solving, and fertility questions. Find the group on Facebook and request to be added, or message Priscilla Hedlin through her website, Wheelchair Mommy, to be added to the group.

Wheel Mommies – A Facebook group with 400+ mothers with SCI and related disabilities who are pregnant and parenting. Request membership from the group owner on Facebook. Common topics of discussion include sexual activity, adaptive equipment, obstacles, dealing with SCI complications, and helpful services and support. (This group is unmoderated and very active, with frank and open discussion of adult topics – not for the faint of heart!)

DisabledParents.net – This group has been providing information, support, and resources to parents with disabilities since 1996. The website’s primary goal is to give parents an opportunity to share ideas and learn from each other. Much of the information on this site comes straight from parents with disabilities who are living their lives and successfully raising their children.

SCI Parenting – Tips & resources website by and for parents with SCI by the Swedish spinal cord organization Spinalis. Parents with SCI can read or submit tips about their strategies and adaptations for parenting with SCI, including pictures and video. English & Swedish.

Through the Looking Glass – Serving families with disabilities since 1982, this website is a great source of info (from a US perspective).

Disabled Parenting Project – Leverages technology in order to create opportunities for parents and prospective parents with disabilities to connect and interact, and serve as an information clearinghouse for relevant information about adaptive parenting.

Tetra Society of North America – Tetra recruits skilled volunteers – who also happen to be engineers and technicians – to create assistive devices for people with specific needs that cannot be met by commercial items. Everything created through Tetra is unique and custom made for that person’s particular needs. Locations across North America.

How Do I Parent from a Wheelchair? – From the Wheelchair Mommy blog. This page includes useful FAQs, strategies and information on the crib, stroller, and other equipment used by a mom with SCI, from the perspective of a US resident.